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I laugh resisting the urge to ruffle her hair a little. Jane and I are on full competitive mode now and it seems like Cass and Kat are too. Grinning, the game starts and there’s only a few comments from each team as everyone concentrates. the arcade echos with the clacking of the puck.

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Following Caden into the closet, I grin widely at his warning. “So I’m guessing I can’t just bite them?” I make a chomping motion with my mouth, my teeth clacking together loudly as I bite down. I go for the shopping bags from yesterday and pull out the first outfit they store had me wear, but now with a dark green shirt as well as some chunky shoes. Digging through the bags, I find some fishnet tights and then some black thigh highs.

“Should I put the stockings on after dinner?” I ask Caden.

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The last game is much more evenly matched. It's also a very close call. We pretty well match shot for shot until Jane and Kat score the game winning goal. We laugh and smile, throwing in a few smack talk comments, but it was fun. I'm still grinning even though it's finished.

”I should probably get back to my shop,” I tell them all. ”But I had a lot of fun. Thank you for inviting me.”

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I chuckle and shake my head. ”They might like that too much anyways,” I say.

I look at the outfit they picked and I can't deny I'm thrilled they picked that one. I look at Nero's stockings and nod in agreement. ”I would wait until after. Kiki said she's going to do a bit of a costume change as well.” I start changing into my all black suit while Nero gets ready as well.

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Alright, next time Cass and I have to beat Jane and Kat - they’ve won against us twice now. Cass thanks us for the fun. Jane and Kat beam at her. “No, thank you for accepting! And for helping our golden boy here.” Jane tries to jump to reach my hair and fluff it. With a roll of my eyes, I squat low so she can reach it.

“Can I escort you back to your shop?” I ask Cass as I get a boogie from Jane.

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I nod, putting the stockings into an empty shopping bag before I start to get dressed. I can’t help but steal glances at Caden as he changes as well. It’s hard not to grin to myself. I do a little wiggle as I make sure the outfit is all configured correctly before I put on my earrings. Most of them are just black studs or hoops, but I add my black cross earrings as well. “Alright, how do I look?” I do a little spin for Caden’s benefit.

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I laugh, watching the two of them. I look at Nic sideways as he's being attacked.

”I think a certain four legged creature would appreciate if you stopped by,” I said, agreeing to Nic taking the bus with me back to my shop.

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I put my tie around my neck and look at Nero. They spin and I smile, my eyes looking them up and down. Selfishly I'm glad they look that good in green. ”Bestechend.” I walk up to them and take their hand, making them do another slow twirl.

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“You’re absolutely right, I must go see my son.” I show Cass a crooked smile before I pull Jane into my hold and give her a boogie back, much to her protest. We all meander to the lockers to get our things before exiting the building entirely.

“Jane, if you are headed home, would you mind checking on my dad for me?” I throw an arm around Cass. “She lives in my complex too. Well, both of them do.” I explain with a small laugh. Jane of course agrees before her and Kat hug Cass before heading the opposite way from the bus stop.

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I happily spin for him again before I look up at him beaming. I know Caden looks good in suits, but the all black look almost makes him look like he was a demon too. “Dies ist deine letzte Chance, mich zu küssen, bevor ich Lippenstift auftrage.” I’m almost 99% sure that if a demon notices me, they won’t recognize me easily.

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I was surprised to be hugged by Jane and Kat. I know we hit it off well, I just wasn't expecting to be accepted so readily. I liked it though. Aside from Caden, I didn't really have friends. It was nice to have that option now thanks to Nic.

I lead the way to the bus stop. ”Sorry again for my weird behaviour at the beginning… I saw you and Jane at your mom's memorial and I don't know… it looked like Caden and me so I just assumed,” I said with a shrug, staring at the sidewalk while we waited for the bus.

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I smile and pull Nero in close to kiss them properly. I splay my hand on their lower back, dipping them slightly to deepen the kiss. I remind myself that whoever flirts with Nero or tries to pick them up, it doesn't matter because they're coming home with me. I know there are going to be people there who will try and steal Nero from me. When they look the way they do now, it would be surprising if no one tried. I'm half tempted to ask Nero to play a game with me, and pretend we don't know each other so I can try picking them up all over again.

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I’m really happy that Jane and Kat like Cass, and that Cass seems to like them as well. I look down at Cass when she apologizes and I can’t help but smile a little. “You aren’t the first one to assume it.” But she is the first to fully believe that Jane and I weren’t anything but friends. I pull her closer and kiss the top of her head.

“You would not believe how many dates thought Jane was just faking her sexuality.” Those relationships did not last longer than the first or second date.

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I hold Caden’s face as we kiss, happily kissing him back as he dips me. I’m tempted to move to his neck to mark my territory, but I remind myself that Caden already assured me that he’s mine and I’m his. I wiggle a little excitedly thinking about an overly-protective and possessive version of Caden fighting off anyone who gets too close to me at the club. I would be the over-possessive and jealous one most likely. I move one of my hands to hold the nape of his neck, lightly biting his bottom lip.

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I wrap my arms around Nic, my face his chest as I hug him, seeking both comfort and stability. That thought startled me and I froze before I slowly pulled away from him. The only other person I had in my life like that was Caden. I honestly never thought I'd have a connection like that with anyone else. My cheeks are red again from the revelation. Thankfully, the bus arrives.

”So, did you experience heart aching happiness or not quite?” I ask as I get onto the bus.

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My body tingles and raises goosebumps along my skin. Nero's bite makes me part my lips and my tongue searches for theirs. The kiss is different from our past ones. It almost feels like a promise. It's frightening but I fall into the idea fully. At this point I don't care if Nero destroys me, as long as they are the one to do it.

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I nod to Cass’ question with a small smile. “I think I did, thanks to you.” It’s true - everything did cause me some heartache, because I caught myself often entranced by Cass and her laugh.

There’s only one seat left on the bus so I stand by it to hold the handle and let Cass take it for herself. The bus starts to move before we’re both fully situated.

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I pull away after a little bit, lips feeling a little swollen now as I try to even my breathing. “If you see anyone try to manhandle me, you have my full permission to kick their ass.” I tell Caden, looking him in his eyes as I speak before I’m wiggling in excitement again. “I should finish getting ready.”

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I blush when Nic says yes. He's so free with his feelings. I wish I was. I'm making my way towards the empty seat Nic leaves for me, but my focus is elsewhere. The bus jolts ahead and I stumble forward. My fingers grap Nic's shirt and I stare up at him.

Goddess why is he this attractive? And how do I keep forgetting he's this tall. Seriously, it's like the fifth time. I blush and release his shirt.

”Sorry,” I apologize, fully embarrassed for the third time today.

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I brush my hand along the side of Nero's cheek lightly. ”Part of me would like to see what you do to anyone who tries. Another part of me knows it won't get very far.” I kiss their cheek lightly before I let them finish getting ready and I do the same.

I take a few extra minutes to help compose myself before I add my rings and a watch as my accessories. I add some cologne for good measure and wait for Nero in the main bedroom.

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My arms automatically wrap around Cass as she falls into me. I chuckle lightly when she blushes and I start to unleash her, but one of my hands touch her cheeks where they’re flushed. “God, you’re adorable.” I tell her as I finally release her. I kind of help guide her to sit down, afraid she’ be too flustered from my comment.

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Shaking my head, I laugh a little at how this man wants to see me be violent. We break apart to finish getting ready.I blot some deep burgundy color on my lips, letting it concentrate on the center of my lips while fading out. I grab some simple black gloves that mostly cover my palms but the back is barely obscured. I pull out a small bottle of perfume and spray it a few times in the air and walking through it, also rubbing it into my wrists and behind my ears. I pull on the doc Martins and grab the shopping bag with my stockings in it before I walk out to join Caden.

I breathe in the cologne he’s wearing and smile - it smells nice. “I like that a lot.” I say as I get closer and smell more of it. “Do I smell less like a demon? I’m hoping nobody recognizes me.” I say. That way, I can be all over Caden without it getting back to Hell.

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Damn him. I am flushed again from his comment and his attention as he helps me sit down. I fiddle with the loose strands of my hair and stare at Nic's feet for the duration of the bus ride.

I pull the chord when we are nearing the right stop for my shop. I wait until the bus comes to a stop before I stand and lead Nic off the bus and down the street. I open up the door and the familiar ding signals to the cats of my arrival.

Calypso is lounging on the counter. She meows a greeting before stretching. Wayland however comes trotting out of the back. He starts meowing profusely when he sees Nic though. Wayland starts to wind around Nic's legs, begging to be picked up and petted.

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I inhale Nero's scent and nod. ”You're in the clear. And you smell delicious,” I say with a devilish grin. I pull Nero from the bedroom before I decide to call the whole evening off and lock them in my room.

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Smiling from how embarrassed Cass seems to be, I let her lead me off the bus and into her shop. “My son!” I cry out dramatically as I pick up Wayland and cuddle him. “I missed you too.” I coo to him as I give him chin scratches.

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His grin makes me blush and wiggle a little, but Caden doesn’t let us linger in the moment. Probably a good call on his part. I’m tempted to tease him a little as he leads me out the bedroom and down the stairs. Kiki is already at the bottom of the stairs and I eye her outfit choice before standing a little taller to whisper in Caden’s ear. “Sie sieht umwerfend aus.”

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I grin at the two, easily hearing what Nero whispered. “Me? Have you seen yourself, darling?” I coo to them before looking at Caden. ”Caden, I have a bustier under this if that’s more appropriate for the club.” I say, not sure how much he wants me to lure others in.

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I look at the two of them and pull my phone out to snap a picture of the two of them. ”You should be thanking your son,” I said. I set my bag down and go behind the counter. I scratch Calypso’s head and disappear behind the counter. I grab a box of treats for the cats and set them on the counter.

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”Und du siehst atemberaubend aus,” I whisper back to Nero. I look at Kiki, smiling at her outfit choice. ”If you want to. I wouldn't say no to it. The more you show the more you'll attract at this place. If you let your eyes shift too you'll get more bites,” I add. I check my watch and nod. ”We should get going.”

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I head to the other side of the counter, letting Wayland explore the treats Cass had just set out. “Thank him for what?” I ask in bemusement as I get a treat out to give to each of the cats, scratching under the chins of those who let me.

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My ears burn from both of their compliments. Kiki now nods as she listens to Caden. I still can’t quite figure out their dynamic, but I remind myself that I don’t need to for now.

“Duly noted.” She says to Caden’s advice.

We start walking after Caden looks at his watch. “Kiki, are you able to shapeshift then too?” I tilt my head, more intrigued than ever now.

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”For saying yes.” Wayland happily takes all the scratches from Nic. ”He wouldn't leave me alone last night until I said yes. He really is your best advocate. I've always used Wayland to help my clients settle and relax but he's never taken to someone like he has with you.”

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I smile as the two of them converse while I lead them out to the car. I open the front passenger for Nero and the back door for Kiki. I offer both of them my hands, grinning cheekily.

”We are going to make quite the statement at the restaurant,” I note.

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This makes me pause in wonder. “I just assumed he was a cuddly cat.” I squat a little to look into Wayland’s eyes and whisper a soft “Thank you.” before I straighten and grin at Cass. I manage to hop over her counter fairly easily and stand toe to toe with Cass.

“Can I kiss you? I’ve been dying to all day.” I cup her cheek, my thumb rubbing her cheek where she always blushes.

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I nod to Nero. “Perk of being a foxy lady.” I say to the little thing, letting my eyes shift into those of a fox before letting them go back to normal. She looks more impressed than anything and I glance at Caden to show my appreciation for his new partner. Both of us have experienced varying degrees of hostility and being a party trick by so many; this was a refreshing reaction.

With a laugh at Caden’s comment, I take his hand when offered and slide into the back easily as Nero does the same in the front seat. “Speaking of, where are we going?” I ask, as if I will actually know of anything in the area. Nero waits for Caden to get in the driver seat before she asks if they’re going to the same place as their last date.

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One minute Nic is on one side of the counter, the next he is standing over me but not in an overbearing way, in a my insides are melting way and then he asks to kiss me. Of course I blush, his thumb warming over my cheek.

”In front of the children?” I say, trying to feign shock but my words don't match my tone.

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”A gentleman never tells,” I say and pull out of the driveway. ”And no but still somewhere classy where you both can eat me out of house and home,” I tease and rest my hand on Nero's leg. My thumb works in little circles on their skin.

”So, Kiki, how long will you be spoiling us with your presence in Chicago?”

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“I’m going to take that as a maybe.” I chuckle, shaking my head at her before I lean down and kiss her. It starts off soft as I don’t want to push anything too far or too fast. With one hand, I still hold her cheek while my other arm snakes around her waist and pulls her closer.

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I shake my head at Caden, choosing not to remind him yet again that I barely eat anything as it is.

”Oh, I don’t know yet. You remember the Scroll of Teikyō my dad had managed to get his hands on for me?” Kiki asks Caden, seeming pretty certain he did. “Well, I noticed a family here who received a blessing from my mother disappeared off the list about a week ago. It’s never done that before, so of course I booked a plane ticket straight away.”

I fidget in my seat, dying to ask who this mother of hers is, but biding my time.

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My blush remains and I kiss Nic back tentatively. Last time he caught me by surprise and it was so quick. This time we are more or less testing the waters. His touch is gentle and his lips are soft, but it's the strangest thing. I can almost taste the sunshine he exudes in his daily life.

When Nic pulls me in close my arms wrap around his neck and I kiss him with more interest. This is a much better first kiss.

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”Really?” I say with intense interest. ”Which family?” I ask. My mind drifts to Nic's family simply because they are the most immediate name I have in my head.